The Pequot Lakes Patriots’ junior running back Shae Zeidler took advantage of his opportunity to run the football in the Patriots’ 21-0 loss to East Grand Forks Green Wave on Friday, Sept. 13.

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Zeidler, who was filling in for starter Tyler Tappe who was out with a high ankle sprain, carried the ball 23 times for 171 yards and two touchdowns to help the Patriots win their first game played at home in two years because of the school remodeling project.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I gave it my best and things turned out well to help us win,” Zeidler said. “It was by far the best game I’ve ever had.”

Pequot Lakes coach Chip Lohmiller agreed that Zeidler played well.

“He did a great job looking over the field, and making some nice cuts on his long runs,” said Lohmiller, whose squad improved to 1-1 in the Heart ‘O Lakes North Conference and 2-1 overall.

The Patriots’ defense also played a big role in the win as they forced three turnovers, and a big stop when the Green Wave were moving in to score.

Pequot Lakes missed a quality scoring chance on the opening drive as CJ Borleis passed to Kyle Sellner at midfield, and the receiver took the ball to the EGF 7. The Patriots eventually lost yardage, and then missed a 31-yard field goal attempt.

On their next possession, Pequot Lakes grabbed the lead when Zeidler took a handoff, and raced down the sideline for a 62-yard score. The conversion kick made it 7-0 with 1:40 left in the first quarter.

The teams traded possessions in the second period before the Patriots’ Bradley Boldt made a diving interception of a pass at the EGF 44 with 4:47 remaining before intermission. Pequot Lakes failed to move the ball, and were forced to punt to the Green Wave’s six. EGF moved the ball, but ran out of time in the half.

In the third quarter, Pequot Lakes regained possession after another big defensive play by Boldt, who recovered a fumble at midfield. The home team picked up a first down on Justin Mackenthun’s 28-yard reception to the EGF 27. The Patriots eventually moved to the Green Wave 6, and then scored on Borleis’ pass to Karl Satterlund to make it 14-0 with 1:17 left in the third.

Early in the fourth quarter, Pequot Lakes took over on downs at their 47, and moved as close as the EGF six before missing a field goal attempt. The Patriots’ defense again stopped the Green Wave, and Pequot Lakes took over possession at midfield. With the help of some key penalties, the Patriots moved the ball to the EGF 4 where Zeidler went in for his second touchdown of the game to make it 21-0 with 2:18 remaining.

The Green Wave did drive to the Patriots’ 34 in the final two minutes, but failed to score as Pequot Lakes registered its second shutout of the early season.

“The guys played some good hard-nosed football, and they didn’t get down when we were penalized so much,” said Pequot Lakes’ defensive coordinator Nick Grunzke. “I think it’s because of our senior leadership. It was nice that we forced three turnovers.”

Borleis, who took most of the snaps at quarterback, added.

“We had lots of penalties, and dropped a couple passes or we might have had an easier time,” he said. “We will get that fixed.”

Lohmiller was happy with his team’s effort.

“The guys did a nice job, even without Tyler Tappe,”he said. “We were able to move the ball, even with a few dropped passes. The big thing about tonight’s game was the way (Shae) Zeidler ran the ball.”

The Patriots play at Park Rapids on Friday, Sept. 20.

“We have things we have to work on before we go to Park Rapids next week,” Lohmiller said. “They’re a decent team with a senior quarterback, so we expect a tough game.”